Why Soemingyi Monastery is special ?

Soe Min Gyi Monastery is one of the few brick-built monasteries on the Bagan plain - most were built of wood and did not survive. Named after the lady who supposedly sponsored its construction, this typical lte Bagan brick monastery is thought to have been completed in 1204. "So-min" is a title for a senior queen or princess of the Bagan Period, so the monastery and the stupa were probably donated by such a lady of high rank.

The Soe-min-gyi is a large, elaborate type of monastery, square in plan, with a double-storeyed sanctum on the western side and a vestibule on the east. It can also be reached easily from the main road by climbing a small raised ground to the west. These monasteries were built "to give a pleasant shade agreeable in all three seasons" as recorded in a Bagan inscription.

What to explore at Soemingyi Monastery?

A pagoda to the north and cave to the south are also ascribed to Soemingyi. Soemingyi is rectangular as well as square, and has a large central hall surrounded by cells. Square in plan, it has a vestibule on the eastern side and a double-storeyed sanctum on the western side. There is a small central hall, with cells ranged along its northern and southern sides. A staircase in the southeastern corner leads to the roof which was made of wood and was flat. Most brick monasteries in Bagan were single block structures. Soemingyi is unique in that it features monastic cells clustered around a courtyard.

Location

Reviews

Seddana Pagoda is a unique architecture of old Bagan with a double-storeyed sanctum. A representative of the Type III monastery, design of brick and wood, with many holy relics and images, the temple was very attractive to us and other tourists. especially, we saw the words of an inscription which was the highlight of the temple. We love this place so strongly recommend it!